Calhoun County's Joint Operations Center (JOC) will release Joint Information Center (JIC) briefings via email every Monday and Friday, as well as hold a live presentation mid-day Wednesdays.
As of 11:30 a.m., Friday, April 17, Calhoun County Public Health Department reports 128 positive cases, 5 deaths, and 42 cumulative hospitalizations.
First Responder Testing
During the day today, those in the area will see activity in the area of Battle Creek City Hall and the Battle Creek Police Department.
This is a special coronavirus testing opportunity for our area first responders, hosted by Waste State University Physician Group and ACCESS Community Health and Research Center.
The tests will be available to first responders who are symptomatic, are in quarantine, or who have previously tested positive and need to return to work.
Local first responder agencies have received information on how to participate.
Upcoming Meetings
Following the governor’s stay-home order, and the order allowing for electronic business meetings, the City of Battle Creek has several upcoming meetings that will be held via Zoom.
- Tuesday, April 21 – City Commission, 7 p.m. Participate in this meeting by calling 312-626-6799. You will be prompted to enter the meeting ID number: 921 2248 6625. This meeting also will be broadcast live on AccessVision – Comcast 17/917, AT&T 99, and online at the Live 17 tab at accessvision.tv.
- Wednesday, April 22 – Planning Commission, joint with City Commission, 4 p.m., to discuss the city's Capital Improvement Program. Participate in this meeting by calling 312-626-6799. You will be prompted to enter the meeting ID number: 966-9526-9642. This meeting also will be broadcast live on AccessVision – Comcast 17/917, AT&T 99, and online at the Live 17 tab at accessvision.tv.
Solid Waste Update
Calhoun County Recycling
Due to COVID-19 mitigation, Calhoun County has cancelled the Saturday, May 2, Household Hazardous Waste Collection in Marshall, and the Scrap Tire Collection scheduled for Saturday, May 9 in Athens.
As safety allows, we will try to hold these events later in the year. Scrap Tire events have been tentatively rescheduled for September. Please store your items and monitor the
Recycling and Solid Waste website
and
Facebook page
for updates.
Waste Management Customers
In great news for Waste Management customers, curbside yard waste pickup will begin next week – the week of Monday, April 20.
Those in the Cities of Battle Creek and Springfield, and other WM customers with this service, can place yard waste in marked containers or the paper bags made for this purpose, at the curb on your regular trash pickup day. Please follow the typical guidelines of each bag/container weighing 50 pounds or less, and place brush/branches in four-foot bundles.
Because this service is starting later than usual, due to COVID-19, heavy volumes of yard waste may delay your pickup. Please leave your yard waste at the curb, and WM crews will get there.
Yard Waste at DPW
In the City of Battle Creek, a yard waste dumpster remains at the Department of Public Works,, 150 S. Kendall. Neighbors in the city limits may drop off yard waste items – loose waste in paper bags, and brush/branches in four-foot bundles.
On Monday, April 20, the city will reopen its compost site, Brice Pit, at 715 W. River Road. Hours are 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Brice is closed on Sunday.
Bulk waste curbside pickup remains canceled at this time. City of Battle Creek customers can take bulk items – furniture, mattresses, carpet rolls, and the like – to a marked dumpster at the DPW. The city is working on other potential locations for additional bulk dumpsters. City of Springfield customers can take bulk items to a dumpster at City Hall, 601 Avenue A, Springfield.
Please watch for continued updates and potential changes as needs arise during this challenging time.
Bright Spots in our Community
This week, with help from the community, the Battle Creek YMCA provided over 4,875 diapers and wipes to 195 children in our community. The Diaper Drive-Thru has been a great success. It is held at the Y from 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Wednesdays.
